UAE Visa Ban Pakistan: Conflicting Statements Create Confusion for Travellers

Pakistan’s interior ministry has confirmed that the UAE has halted most visa issuance for Pakistani passport holders, citing criminal concerns raised by Emirati authorities. UAE officials deny a formal ban, creating uncertainty for travellers and workers.

UAE Visa Ban Pakistan: Interior Ministry Confirms Visa Freeze Amid Criminal Concerns

A senior interior ministry official told the Senate Committee on Human Rights that the UAE has stopped issuing visas to most Pakistani citizens. The briefing stated that UAE authorities flagged rising criminal incidents involving Pakistani travellers. Only diplomatic and official passports continue to receive visas.

The committee was informed that Emirati officials reported cases linked to forged identities, trafficking networks, and misuse of visit visas. According to the ministry, these trends triggered the current freeze. The official warned that a complete ban on Pakistani passports would be difficult to reverse if imposed. The issue placed “UAE visa ban Pakistan” at the center of public searches and policy discussions.

UAE representatives, however, denied the existence of a formal ban. Their statements said visa processing remained open but under strict scrutiny. This contradiction created confusion for travellers, recruitment agencies, and businesses dependent on UAE mobility.

It comes after previous restrictions by the Gulf states in late 2024 and 2025, as some of the Pakistani cities were placed under a visa ban because of crime cases and problems of beggars. These restrictions influenced the pattern of travelling and the laggard outbound labour.

Currently, the majority of visa applicants are delayed or not even processed and the diplomatic process still carries on. According to travel analysts, the uncertainty can impact the workforce planning as well as family travel, and temporary job placements.